To Big Tire or Not to Big Tire

[BlueByYou2000]

Is it worth Big Tiring your ATV?

Heres my take.

Stock form, the Grizz has some really nice pull with the 25" stock tires. I added 26" mud lites, and left the stock clutching in. I have to say I was very dissapointed in the trail manners, backshift and overall performance of the bike with the new tires. I added an EPI clutch kit and TPI valves and it did help, but was no match in a flat out drag race with a stocker. I then machined my primary and secondary and made a spacer to basically change the rate of the secondary spring which got me back my throttle response and top end. However it still will not beat a stocker in a drag race. I have since put the 25" back on and left everything else the way it was and I have to tell you, its amazing how this thing pulls. It puts a good 2-3 lengths on a stocker midrange. The top end gains even with the extra machining are very minimal, but the throttle snap is just fantastic. For me who basically is a trail rider, the stock tires do increase the fun factor, but when it gets wet and muddy, fuggitaboutit. I had 26" Mud Lites on and they really work well in the mud, so much that a stock tired grizz made appx 15' into a mud pit up in Fifield, WI and I made it almost all the way to the end, about 150 ft before the bottom dropped out. Still they are a 1 use tire. I really wish someone would come out with a light weight (15-18 lb) utility tire that you didnt have to sacrifice performance with. I check into the Holeshot ATR's which are supposed to be a sport utility tire but they weigh 24 lbs. (about the same as the mud lites). Whats everyones take on this? To big tire or not?...BBY

 

[LazyBastard]

Wheel torque good.... particularly if you need to pull trailers, plow, and drag broken trucks down the road. Without the ability to do those things, why have a utility ATV and not a puresport?

 

[660 SilverTip]

I haven't checked into it, but why not put on 25" Mudlites then? Or is it the grip that pulls you down? I have 27's on mine and have never run the 25's but still have them for chaining up while using the snow plow. So if I put the stockers on, my Grizz will rip harder than it does now? Holy! The thing rips now and it's not even broke in yet. It only does 50mph but I noticed it is getting faster every ride. Mine also wheelies quite easy. I ripped down the driveway with it shooting rocks at my dog....oops He only took about 50 in the head before he backed off. Chocolate Labs are smart but have really hard heads. He just kept chasing me.

 

[BlueByYou2000]

Silver Tip, 25" Mud lites would be better but they are still alot heavier than the stock tires. Its the weight that kills the speed. Will all the mods Ive done and the 26" mud Lites, the best I saw was 61 MPH. With the stock tires it runs 68.

 

[Port-Parts]

Just a note on 25" Mud lites. They are considered an all terrain type tire and do not have the large lugs that the 26"- 28" inchers have. I believe the 26"- 28" have 36/32" lugs whereas the 25" or smaller have 22/32" lugs. The 25" I believe would be alot closer if not as close in weight as the stock tires.

 

[BlueByYou2000]

The 25" Mud lites are 6 lbs heavier than the stockers, so that is better than 11# with the 26", but still you wont have the performance of the stock tire. They weigh 14 lbs compared to 19.9. Keep in mind the HP ratio to the wheels then add heavier compontents, something will be sacrificed...BBY

 

[SledderSteve]

Unless you're going to pull a plow or run in mud up to the racks with your tractors, you might want to consider the Holeshot Radials for trail riding. http://www.itptires.com/ads/itpholeshotatr.gif

Some of the rags commented:
“News flash, the ITP ATR tires give extremely good traction in the ice/snow conditions! …it was unbelievable how much traction we had. This is a superior combination.â€￾
—ATV Connection

“ …the ATRs gave the rider far more confidence …a far more precise ride, more accurate steering, increased stability, with a tremendous increase in traction. …it would be arguable as to whether any other tire could out accelerate the ATR on any trail surface, from hard pack to slop!â€￾
—ATV Magazine

“With less wheelspin and solid launches from the line, the Holeshot tires felt worthy of their name. Turning traction was also better… In hard corners, the stock tires roll and push, where the semi-low- profile Holeshot ATRs give a more direct steering response. There was more braking traction… so slowing for turns was more controllable. Rating: 5 stars.â€￾
—4-Wheel ATV Action Magazine

 

[660 SilverTip]

Did a little reading and if it is correct then the 25" Mud Lites do not come in 12" wide. Only 10" wide is available in the 25". 26"-28" come 12" wide. So I guess 25's are out of the question for me. I'm still gonna put my stockers on and see how it rips. Because I haven't ridden it without the 27" Mud Lites.

 

[jrot013]

I'm running 25x10x12 Bighorns and I'm impressed so far. I got about 225 miles on them', so time will tell. I didn't want to get into a bigger in the fear of braking something.

A couple of friends I ride with are running bigger and some don't like them at high speeds.

I have found that my front end floats when I get into the 40mph range, beacause I think they are a little off balance.

They seem to do all right in the mud, but they are no Outlaw Radial or 589 by any means. My next choice would be good old 589's probably 26"x10"all around.

The Holeshots on the Outie are a very nice smooth running tire that performs very well.

 

[lokn4sno]

The 25" Titan 589's have a tall lug, unlike the 25" Mud Lites... I am very pleased with the performance.

 

[markgyver]

I would have to believe the slow down your expierencing is caused by the change in gear ratio with tall tires rather than weight.although the clutch kit can help some it cant make up for three or four inches in diameter.2 cents worth.

 

[KbxSrx]

mudzillas

I have 28" mudzillas on ITP's, and they are great in snow and mud, but ride like a tractor at slow speed.

 

[BlueByYou2000]

markgyver

Larger tires definetely changes your gear ratio. Its a combination of both and worth mentioning for sure. You cant overlook the extra weight things, its more rolling resistance...BBY

 

[markgyver]

yes,indeedy... wouldnt it be cool if we could change the gear ratio ..

 

[iowagrizz660]

I love my MudLites but at times they are alittle to big for all the riding I do. I've been thinking of getting Holeshots on my stock rims in 25" I think that they would be a all around tire for my stock rims!